[Reference value of glutamic transaminase to prevent non-A non-B post-transfusion hepatitis]

GPT is currently used as a surrogate test for detection of the non-A, non-B carrier state. Among the patients who received the blood at least one blood unit from donor with relatively high level of GPT (26-35 KU), incidence of post-transfusion NANB hepatitis was higher than that of the patients who received only blood with low level of GPT (less than or equal to 25 KU). It is expected that introduction of lower GPT cut-off value will substantially reduce the incidence of post-transfusion NANB hepatitis. We reviewed several factors, such as gender, age and body weight that could potentially affect GPT activity, using the data of 40,967 regular blood donors for GPT who donated at Fukuoka Red Cross Blood Center from October to November, 1987. The upper limit of normal GPT for males is significantly higher than that of females. GPT values in both males and females progressively increase with the age and body weight. It would therefore seem that gender, age and body weight should be taken into account in resetting of GPT cut-off values to prevent post-transfusion NANB hepatitis.